Categories Guidance on Chat

Expat Cousin covers several categories and topics within the knowledge base. More catergories/topics are added and expanded regularly to be able to answer as many of your questions as possible. We've included some example questions!

1. Banking

All things you need to know about banking, what you will need and which banks there are

Examples: Where do I get an account? Which banks are there? What Do I need to open an account ? Will my VISA/Mastercard work in The Netherlands? How do I send money home? How do you share bills?

2. Business

This covers information on opening a business, business structures and who can assist with registering a business.

Examples: How do I open a business? What are the available business structures? Who can help me set up a business? Who is the KVK?

3. Clothing

Some clothing guidance

Examples: Should I buy a warm jacket/rain coat in my own country before coming over ? I'm traveling/sporting, where is the best place for clothing?

4. Culture

Each nation has uniqueness in their culture. This catergory will help you with some of the Dutch Culture.

Examples: Why are the Dutch so forward? What is Kingsday? What is Kingsday? What is Carnival? What is a tikkie? Who is Sinterklaas? Can we skate on he canals in Winter?

5. Education

The education information in the includes topics such as applying for different levels of education (primary, secondary, vocational, tertiary), exemptions and adaptations in education, language disadvantage, early childhood education, freedom of education, and evaluating foreign qualifications. It also covers topics related to school holidays, public and private schools, Dutch education system and working in education

Examples: How does the school system work? What do I need to work in education? What is taalschool? Higher Education? Compulsory schooling. Are there English Schools? Must I put my kids in Dutch School immediately?

6. Employment

Employment working in The Netherlands, finding employment, employment types, the 1 year contracts and being a contractor

Examples: What is ZZP? Why is my contract only 1 year initially? How are employees protected in The Netherlands? I'm no longer employed, how long do I have to find another job to stay in The Netherlands? I'm a doctor/dentist/teacher, can I come practice/teach?

7. Entertainment

Doing fun things keep us sane! This section has a wide range of info for fun things to do

Examples: Where do I watch movies in English? Can I braai? Where are the best Christmas markets? Where can I see Tulips and windmills? I want to do a canal tour?

8. General

There are many things that are helpful, but does fit into the categories. This can be things like "How do I stop junk post" or people knokcing on my door collecting money.

Examples: How do I get less junk post? What does op=op mean? Can I watch movies in English? What is a Gemeente?

9. Healthcare

It covers topics such as health insurance, applying for healthcare benefits, exemptions from compulsory healthcare insurance, healthcare and residence permits1 and the rights to essential medical care.

Examples: Does medical insurance cover teeth? Which healthcare provider? When am I covered with medical insurance? How does medical insurance work? How does it work with doctors here? During an emergency, can I go straight to hospital? Can I bring medication from my own country?

10. Holidays

From school holiday in each region to banking holidays.

Examples: Is good Friday a holiday in Netherlands? What are dutch banking holidays? What are the school holidays per region?

11. Housing

Renting a house has different aspects like furnished, unfurnished, term of rental and more. Buying a house is also in this category

Examples: What are rent options? I have rented a place but I have no floor or lights? Where is a good place to search for rentals? I hear you become a permanent renter after 2 years. what does that mean? I'm moving out of my rental. what do I do? When do I get my deposit back ? Do I need a property agent? What are property costs? How much more must I offer to buy a house?

12. Internet/TV/Phone

Internet and phones have become a minimum requirement! Here we cover how you can get it and who from!

Examples: I need Internet, who are the providers? I want a mobile provider?

13. Legal

I need some legal assistance? This category covers some things like Legal Assistance Insurance and more

Examples: Do I need insurance? Do I need liability insurance? Who can provide me with insurance? What is apostille of documents? Who can I use to apostille? What is a notary?

14. Lost

I lost something! Most people in The Netherlands will report these on websites to try find the owner again. This includes the Gemeentes and Public Transport.

Examples: I lost something on the train/bus/station. I lost my passport. I lost my bank cards

15. Residency

Living and working in The Netherlands has some requirements. There are different visa types like MVV, HSM, how to quality and where to apply

Examples: How do I apply for a certificate of conduct VOG? What is a MVV? What is a HSM? I've lost my job/my company is bankrupt, how long do I have to find employment to continue staying? I need a BSN number?

16. Safety and Security

You might be suprised by the planned sirens or test messages to your mobile!

Examples: Why do the sirens go off each month?

17. Shopping

Need to buy things? This section covers shopping and online shopping including Expat Shops! What shop discount shops are there?

Examples: Where do I buy beds? Where do I get wood? Where do I buy bedding? What are the best discount stores? What's the equivalent of "your shop"? Where do I buy or sell 2nd hand? Where do I buy or sell 2nd hand online?

18. Tax

Taxes is a wide category and includes topics like income tax, lease car tax, VAT, the 30% ruling, tax benefits and more.

Examples: What is the VAT rates? How much income tax must I pay ? What are the income tax rates? What is the 30% ruling? Are there tax breaks? What is waterschapsbelasting?

19. Transport

All things transport related includes topics on Bicyles and Cycling, Public Transport and Driving in The Netherlands

Examples: Can I convert my drivers license? What is the process to get my license here? I need to get road side assistance? How long can I drive with my foreign license? What is the CBR medical? Cars are expensive, can I buy it in Germany or Belgium? Do I buy a car or lease one? What is a private lease? I hear kids travel free on trains? Does my claim free insurance years work here? I need to move, where can I rent a van/truck? What is the Fietsplan/ Bicycle plan? My bike has been stolen!

20. Travel

Welcome to Europe! The travelling options are great and some countries have certain requirements. Do you need winter tyres or Vignettes ?

Examples: I want to visit museums? Where to go for skiing or to see snow? Where can I travel with my verblijstitel? Can I travel with my MVV? I want to fly via london. Do I need a visa? What is a Vignette?

21. Useful Applications

A list of mobile applications that are helpful to use in The Netherlands

Examples: Is there an app for rain? Is there an app for public transport? Is there an app for Food delivery? Is there an app for parking?

22. Visitors

Do you have friends or familiy planning to visit ?

Examples: What is bewijs van garantstelling? My family is visiting, do I become a sponsor and do I need to do anything? My family are visiting, where can I get bikes?